Michele Israel Harper's Blog, page 4

Encircled Interview with S.E. Clancy

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Today I am absolutely thrilled to interview S.E. Clancy, author of the Bluebeard retelling The Last Mrs. Bluebeard in the exciting new anthology of fairy tale retellings, Encircled! (Now try saying that sentence five times really fast . . .) ;)

I’m all for diving in, so here goes!

Q: Aw, YAY! I get to chat with S.E. Clancy! I am soexcited you’re on my blog today, girl. Okay, so tell me all about your story. Your retelling of Bluebeard was super creepy (and one of my faves in this anthology, though I love them all . . .), so tell me what inspired you to choose this gripping, chilling tale?

A: I’m delighted to be here, Michele! And congratulations on Kill the Beast being a semifinalist for Book of the Year from Serious Writer!

I had a different fairytale picked out first, but when it was taken, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone, not only with a historical retelling, but with a dark tale. I don’t even like horror movies, but I wanted to remain true to the ominous tone of the original tale.

Q: Aw, thank you! I’m so excited about Kill the Beast I can hardly stand it! But back to you. What first drew you to Bluebeard? Was it recent, something you’d been considering for a little while, or a retelling you’ve been determined to do for ages?

A: Honestly, I clicked on the title because I wasn’t thinking something called Bluebeard could be so frightening. My head was already creating a silly story about how a beard could be blue. But this tale is so different than most of the others! It’s sinister and creepy. And it begged me for a different point of view retelling.

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Q: Any other retellings in the works? Or perhaps other stories that are all your own?

A: I’m an active fanfiction writer. This is my first published retelling. I have a couple of contracted stories with an ACFW chapter I’m waiting to hear back on for a release date. And . . . a little birdie tells me that this same Encircled group may try for another anthology of retellings!

Q: Oh, yay! I certainly hope you all do! Tell me what inspires you to write! What happens when the muse strikes? Do you rush off, pound out all the words, leaving dinner to burn and your fam to wonder what happened to you, or do you coax the muse out whenever you have a free moment, perhaps during a set time, or do you demand she show up when you’re ready? I’m all ears! (I love learning about different processes from different authors!)

A: If I leave the words to simmer, I lose them. My phone notepad and voice recorder are second only to the pen and notebook I carry. A few church bulletins have margins stuffed with scenes or dialogue inspirations. I’ve even had my hubby or kids write out something as I’m driving! I ain’t too proud to scribble on napkins, either.

I learned a technique from Davis Bunn at Mount Hermon that I employ at my house when I’m writing. First, this wouldn’t work as well with toddlers or elementary-aged kids. But mine are old enough and know how to use duct tape, so it works well for me. When I close the door of my office, don’t knock, open the door, or send texts unless there’s blood or the duct tape isn’t holding. And I write to music via noise-canceling headphones. Depending on the scene, I use playlists to settle into the mood.

Q: That’s awesome! K, one thing I absolutely love about you are your off-the-wall social media posts. They make me laugh so hard! (Your sense of humor is fabulous.) So do you mind if I ask some off-the-wall questions? No? (Oh, good, cause I was going to anyway . . .) What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

A: Yesssssss! Shenanigans!!! I love odd questions. Makes me feel at home–like we’re practically sisters!

I’m the queen of hairbrained situations. But the funniest thing that I didn’t create or have part of? Hrm . . . that’d be getting caught in a torrential downpour on our family vacation. Ponchos were useless and shoes were underwater. No point in being mad about it, so we ran through the puddles (technically, I believe they were sidewalk ponds by that time). My entire body was pruned.

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Q: That’s great! (And see what I mean by hilarious? That’s my fave SM post of all time.) Let’s say you’ve pranked someone. You know, “hypothetically.” Tell me of a time when it went deliciously right and a time when it went horribly wrong!

A: You know what’s weird? I love shenanigans, but not pranks! Probably because I frighten easily. I’d rather say something that’s funny or do something ridiculous to make people laugh. I guess I like my mischief in the open.

Q: Completely understandable! What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

A: Tacos. What would happen if an EMP hit? Trimming my eyebrows. Tacos.

Q: Oh, yum. Tacos. Completely valid. (And now I’m wanting them. Right. Now.) Okay, last question. And it’s a super serious one. You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

A: Super Green. Only fans of the movie will understand that one!

Q: And now I must look up this movie ASAP. Thank you so much! I have absolutely loved chatting with you today!

A: My pleasure, Michele!

Does that make you want to read her story or what?

Let me tell you, I’ve read this whole thing, and it is fabulous. I can’t recommend this anthology enough.

I hope you love it!

In Him,

Michele

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About the Author:

An adrenaline junkie, S.E. Clancy has skydived, worked as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, and raised two daughters with her husband of over 25 years in Northern California. A bit of a sci-fi nerd, geek, and self-proclaimed dork, there isn’t much she won’t try at least once . . . unless it involves mayonnaise, because that stuff is just gross. Her debut novella, “True: A Contemporary Retelling of Rahab,” released March 14, 2019.

About Encircled:

Experience six of the world’s most beloved stories in a whole new light! From historical to futuristic, these retellings will take you to an enchanted forest, a cursed castle, and far beyond. Uncover secrets of a forbidden basement, a hypnotic gift, and a mysterious doll. Fall in love with a lifelong friend or brand-new crush. Venture to unknown lands on a quest to save a prince, a kingdom, or maybe even a planet. With moments of humor, suspense, romance, and adventure, Encircled has something to offer every fan of fairy tales, both classic and reimagined.

This anthology features stories from S.E. Clancy, Jebraun Clifford, J.M. Hackman, E.J. Kitchens, Laurie Lucking, and Tori V. Rainn.

Pre-order links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PV4PJCP/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book...

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/enci...

Apple Books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id14...

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

Flare Is Finally Here!

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One of my absolute favorite things about being a part of a brand-new book’s launch is the online launch party. I get to rave about my favorites books, then give them away! I love it so, so much.

And now I get to celebrate Flare by J.M. Hackman, the second book in the Firebrand Chronicles. If you haven’t read the first book, Spark (which is also amazing!), you totally need to!

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Back Cover Copy of Spark:

Brenna James wants three things for her sixteenth birthday: to find her history notes before the test, to have her mother return from her business trip, and to stop creating fire with her bare hands. Yeah, that’s so not happening. Unfortunately.

When Brenna learns her mother is missing in an alternate reality called Linneah, she travels through a portal to find her. Against her will. Who knew portals even existed? But Brenna’s arrival in Linneah begins the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, including a royal murder and the theft of Linneah’s most powerful relic: the Sacred Veil.

Hold up. Can everything just slow down for a sec?

Unwilling yet left with no other choice, Brenna and her new friend Baldwin (Um, hello, Hottie!) pursue the thief into the dangerous woods of Silvastamen and beyond. Exactly what Brenna wanted to do for her sixteenth birthday. Exactly.

When they spy an army marching toward Linneah, Brenna is horrified. Can she find the veil, save her mother, and warn Linneah in time?

And more importantly, why on earth doesn’t this alternity have Belgian waffles?

Back Cover Copy of Flare:

Brenna travels to Linneah via portal to visit her boyfriend Baldwin, only to find heartbreak. Betrayal. A serious case of never, ever wanting to see him again. Worst summer vacation ever.

So when her best friend Tiny invites her on a road trip to meet Tiny’s fiancé, Brenna jumps at the chance. Even if her mother disapproves. Even if it’s through a dangerous travel portal. Even if Tiny has never met this fiancé handpicked by her dad. Anything’s better than staying in Linneah.

But the trip disintegrates into disaster. The two friends are separated, Brenna is kidnapped, and not only are Brenna’s Firebrand skills tested to the limit, she must participate in the dangerous event, Starfall . . . or go home. Broke. Alone. With a shattered heart. Sonot fun.

And then as if that’s not bad enough? Brenna discovers a plot that could spell disaster for everyone she holds dear. And no one believes her.

Can she prevent a bloody government takeover? And what will become of Brenna’s broken heart?

Can you see why I’m crazy about these books?

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So {click right here} to RSVP and join Author J.M. Hackman and me in celebrating her lovely new book, getting reacquainted with the first book, and winning lots and lots of prizes.

See you there!

In Him,

Michele

{Buy link on L2L2 Publishing’s website.}

About the author:

J.M. Hackman loves thunderstorms, bookstores, and happy endings. She’s never met a reading nook she didn’t like and prefers soul talk to small talk. When she’s not writing, she spends time with her two munchkins and her handsome husband who supports her in this crazy profession. Her days are filled with writing stories, consuming massive quantities of dark chocolate, and looking for portals to other worlds. You can find her at www.jmhackman.com.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.jmhackman.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jm_hackman/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jmhackman/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jm_hackman

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jillmhackman/

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/15648309.J_M_Hackman

Amazon Author: www.amazon.com/J.-M.-Hackman/e/B01K9PJMPE

And the A Touch of Gold Winners Are…

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Congratulations to our winners of the A Touch of Gold giveaway in honor of Author Annie Sullivan‘s birthday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rachael K. and Deborah O., I have contacted you via email, and I cannot wait to send you your prize.

Thank you to everyone who entered, and I hope you love this book as much as I do!

In Him,

Michele

What I Love about Fairyeater

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I am thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for Fairyeater by Pam Halter! This story captivated me two years ago when I first read a sample, and it has captivated me even more through the editing process until the lovely, final version.

And that cover!

Sara Helwe Digital Arts nailed it. I can’t stop staring at it. And Tzmet’s window by Illustrator Kim Sponaugle of Picture Kitchen Studio is just incredible.

But what is my favorite part of Fairyeater?

Tzmet. Hands down.

(She’s the one on the cover, in case you were wondering.)

I in no way foresaw this character’s character arc (fancy speak for “she freaking surprised me at every turn”), and like the boggart, Brimridge, we became friends near the end. (I’m not saying more, because spoilers.) But this character, you guys! I was not expecting to be rooting for her so strongly.

Have you read a book where the character grew on you so subtly and so astoundingly, you wondered if the author was using magic? I’m telling you, I had to wonder here…and I’m even more in awe, because I was not expecting it one bit.

And I have to give an honorable mention to Anon the faun, who will absolutely steal your heart, and the FOOD in this book.

You guys, I hate to cook. So much. But every meal in this book was mouthwatering (okay, Tzmet’s meals were fascinating but in no way mouthwatering) and sent me running to my kitchen more times than I can say to make something–only to remember gourmet cooking isn’t exactly my forte. Like, not even close.

I can’t wait to hear if you feel the same. (About the book, not my cooking. If we get together, I’m telling you right now that takeout is on the menu!)

{Buy link right here. The ebook is on sale for $2.99 for a wee bit!}

So tell me. What’s your favorite part of Fairyeater?

Or if you haven’t read it yet (you totally should!), what intrigues you most about this story?

I hope you love it as much as I do!

In Him,

Michele

What others are saying about this lovely book:

“As a storyteller in the oldest tradition, Halter effortlessly weaves a tale of friendship, secrets, and magic.”

—Kathleen Kerr, Acquisitions Editor at Harvest House Publishers

“Even for a non-fantasy reader like me, Fairyeater was an enchanting, can’t-put-it-down journey, full of as much heart as magic.”

—Nancy Rue, Christy Award-winning author of The Reluctant Prophet

“An enthralling, heartfelt adventure that will draw you in at the first page and never let go—even after the end.”

—Kyle Robert Shultz, author of the Beaumont and Beasley series

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From the Back Cover:

All fifteen-year-old Akeela has ever wanted is an ordinary family who will love her. But the only mother she has ever known is the old hag, Krezma, who berates her night and day. Why did the old woman even take her in?

But Krezma knows her charge is no ordinary child. She can see the auras surrounding living things and can communicate with fairies. And the birthmark on her palm reveals a secret Krezma must hold close for the child’s safety.

A secret that the witch, Tzmet, hunts for night and day, drying and eating fairies for the power they contain. When Akeela discovers her fate lies in being the next Fairy Guardian, all hope for an ordinary life dissipates like the dreams they were. She must protect the fairies from the witch—and an even darker power that threatens them all.

Akeela is unwillingly thrust into an adventure that will not end until she decides to accept her fate and give up on her dream.

Maybe even her life.

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About the Author:

Pam Halter has been a children’s book author since 1995. The first book in her Willoughby and Friends series, Willoughby and the Terribly Itchy Itch, won the 2018 Realm Award in the children’s category, and she also received a Reader’s Choice Award in 2015 for her short story, “Tick Tock,” in Realmscapes. Fairyeater is her first fantasy novel. She lives in South Jersey, deep in farmland, and enjoys long walks on country roads where she discovers fairy homes, emerging dragons, and trees eating wood gnomes. Visit Pam at www.PamHalter.com.

Happy Birthday, Annie Sullivan!

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I am thrilled to give away two copies of Annie Sullivan’s book, A Touch of Gold, for her birthday today!

To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below and wish her a happy birthday on my post on Instagram.

I cannot wait to see who wins, and I cannot wait to hear what you think of this lovely book.

Happy birthday, Annie Sullivan!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Reading!

Michele

Interview with Shayla Raquel, Author of The Suicide Tree

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I am so thrilled to feature Author Shayla Raquel and her new book, The Suicide Tree, on my blog today!

Before getting to her lovely interview, first a little about the book itself:

A washed-up hacker. Two hated scientists. And offbeat alter personalities.

Knox Kevel receives the job of a lifetime when a mysterious man gets his charges dropped for cybercrime and hires him for an international job. His infamous parents, who created a cure for the Raven Virus, are dead and gone, but their decision to keep NovaVita from the world has taken a toll on Knox.

Swayed by quick money, Knox flies to Italy with his eccentric employer, Arlo Jenson. Knox must find the woman who experimented on Arlo and triggered his unpredictable personality shifts. But tension heightens when Knox discovers that Arlo knew his parents.

As the adventure unfolds, Knox falls for Arlo’s niece and finds himself in an even bigger mess when he comes face-to-face with the person responsible for his misfortune.

Thank you so much for joining me today, Shayla! Your books sounds absolutely wonderful, and I cannot wait to read it.

The Suicide Tree has a few settings: Pensacola Beach, Florida, and Italy. Did you travel to those places?

Yes. I’ve been to Pensacola Beach too many times to count. In fact, I went to college in Pensacola and years later, spent half a year there writing The Suicide Tree. In the acknowledgments, you’ll see that I thank the coffee shop owner for treating me so well (and keeping me caffeinated) while I wrote the first draft. I always knew I wanted Pensacola Beach to be a setting in a book, because it stole my heart at age 9. It will always, always be my version of heaven on earth.

Knox Kevel (and other characters) travels to Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Amalfi, Florence, and Venice. I, too, traveled to all those places in 2011. It was my dream trip, and I knew then I’d use these places in my writing. I’ve looked back at my photos from that time to ensure accuracy when writing the settings. You can’t help but love Italy: the people, the atmosphere, and the food.

So did I! That is so crazy that we went to the same college. What is your favorite thing about this novel?

Knox’s wit and humor. He tends to have these little conversations with himself, and they always crack me up. One of my favorite moments:

——

I remembered sitting in front of Arlo not too many days ago when he said my handle out loud, and I thought how strange it had been to hear it. “Suicide Tree,” I said.

“Like the plant?”

Marry me. Marry me right now, you crazy fool.

“Uh, yeah. How’d you know that?” I asked.

“My mom has this book of poisons”—of course she does—“and I was reading up on it. Goes undetected in autopsies. It’s like the perfect murder weapon.” She crunched into her waffle cone, and I visualized what our children would look like.

——

Are there any personal experiences that influenced your book?

Plenty. Perhaps the one that stands out the most is the romance between Knox and Jessa, which was 100 percent not planned at all. The characters just kind of decided to do their own thing without my permission. At the end of the novel, there’s a conversation between the two that happened verbatim to me in my life three years ago.

There’s a lot of food mentioned in this book. Which dish is your favorite?

It’s Italy! You’ve gotta have food! My all-time favorite Italian dish is arrabiata, which Norah recommends to Knox when they’re in Florence. Arrabiata is a spicy sauce for pasta made from garlic, tomatoes, and dried red chili peppers cooked in olive oil. Fun fact: I love cooking Italian food from scratch.

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Norah Delgado, Arlo’s sister, was inspired by a well-beloved fictional character. Who was that and why did you choose her?

I have been in love with Morticia Addams since I was a little girl. I was probably 7 the first time I saw The Addams Family movie with Angelica Huston. I thought she was the most alluring woman I had ever seen. I decided to mimic Norah after Morticia a bit in the way she dressed and talked. Fun fact: my Doberman is named Wednesday.

Why did this story capture your heart?

I am an adventurous woman. If there’s a creek on a trail I’m walking, the shoes are coming off and I’m jumping in. If I’m asked to leave for a spontaneous trip to Florida and I have an hour to pack, I’m going. If someone wants to go check out an abandoned psych ward, I’m going in. (Yes, all of these have happened.) I wanted to write a novel that captured the beauty of going on an adventure. And that’s precisely what Knox does. But he didn’t want to. Originally, it was the lure of money that convinced him to go. It wasn’t until Arlo pushed Knox to be more adventurous that Knox’s heart changed. But . . . you’ll just have to see for yourself.

The antagonist has a bit of an issue with germs. Are you a germaphobe too?

Unbelievably so, which is why it came so naturally to write her character. At church, we shake hands with one other, and afterward, I head straight to the bathroom to wash my hands. At restaurants, I use Germ-X after the waitress takes the bacteria-infested menus away. If someone is coughing near me, you can bet I’ll be in another country to get away from it. The antagonist is the same way, but she . . . uh . . . goes about things a little differently than I do.

Where did you write your book?

The first place was Pensacola Beach, Florida, at the Drowsy Poet (a coffee shop). Sometimes I wrote in my condo (the same condo Knox lives in). Back in Yukon, Oklahoma, I’d write at Vacca Territory Coffee Shop, Starbucks, or my office. I found, though, that getting out of the house sure helped me in writing the book. A change of scenery is always good.

Is there anything you’d change about the novel?

I’d spend more time on it, and by more time, I obviously mean a lifetime. I could edit forever. Eventually, I had to let it out and know that I wrote the best book I possibly could. I’d probably work on Jessa’s character more. I’ve always felt she was somehow incomplete.

What are you working on next?

It’ll be more of a sci-fi thriller, which involves blood but no gore. Hmmm.

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Ooh, that sounds absolutely divine. Cannot wait!

Thank you for joining me today and telling us more about you and your gorgeous book!

Tell me, dear readers, does this sound like a book you’d enjoy? Shayla is a fabulous editor, and when I heard she had a new book coming out, I had to share it with all of you.

You can preorder here:

Amazon Kindle: http://a.co/d/1UBxa7Y

Goodreads (book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41914928-the-suicide-tree

Signed paperback: https://shaylaraquel.com/the-suicide-tree/the-suicide-tree-paperback-signed

Or get in touch with this lovely author here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaylaraquel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaylaleeraquel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaylaleeraquel

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ShaylaRaquel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-raquel-9813a582

Website: https://shaylaraquel.com/contact

I hope you love it!

In Him,

Michele

About the Author:

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An expert editor, seasoned writer, and author-centric marketer, Shayla Raquel works one-on-one with authors and business owners every day. A lifelong lover of books, she has edited over 300 books and has launched several Amazon bestsellers for her clients.

Her award-winning blog teaches new and established authors how to write, publish, and market their books.

She is the author of the Pre-Publishing Checklist, The Rotting (in Shivers in the Night), and The Suicide Tree. In her not-so-free time, she acts as organizer for the Yukon Writers’ Society, volunteers at the Oklahoma County Jail, and obsesses over squirrels. She lives in Oklahoma with her two dogs, Chanel and Wednesday.

Kill the Beast Releases TODAY!

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Oh my goodness, I can’t believe it’s finally release day for Kill the Beast! I have waited for this day for so long.

As I got ready for my blog tour (that spans from last Monday to this Friday), writing so many posts that had to do with the “why” of my story, I was reminded of a few important things I would love to share with you.

It took me four years to write this book.

Not edit, not market, write it.

I cried, I made excuses, I gave up several times over, but it came down to one thing: I kept writing.

I was so stuck, I was under so much self-pressure to give my favorite fairy tale the treatment it deserved, and yet, I gritted my teeth and kept going.

I remember the day I had my breakthrough.

I went to my writing group in tears–the first time I had ever cried in front of someone else about this book, I might add–and just railed against the universe. I didn’t understand. Why was there such a block in my mind against this story? How on earth was it taking so long? Why on earth was I even still working on it?

And the ladies of my group, what did they do? They listened. They encouraged me. They sympathized. And then we all started writing.

I remember sitting down, a low burn in the back of my throat, certain this would be one more fruitless session. I had over 150,000 words of a jumbled mess, disjointed scenes, scenes that I had written several times over, trying to get it right. I needed the word count cut, streamlined. For it all to make sense.

For the vision in my mind to make it onto the page.

I gritted my teeth, and I attacked it. Anything that didn’t add to the story had to go. Anything that had been written twice or three times over (or five, in one instance) needed to be cut to only one scene, the best scene.

And something clicked.

Things I wrote in the beginning came together in the end. Hints that I had placed throughout revealed themselves. One of the characters completely surprised me with her character arc! (I’d been hinting at it the entire time, I just didn’t know it.)

I had a book. Not a jumbled mess.

I spent weeks, months, on it after that. Not giving up. Typing for all I was worth. Editing, cutting, rearranging. Deleting everything imaginable that didn’t work. (I even deleted one scene I actually needed, if only for my own reference. Oops!) There was no going back. I was making these words into a story. Joy replaced the dread I felt every time I thought of my manuscript.

And it worked. Finally.

I still can’t believe it.

If you are working toward a dream, Do. Not. Give. Up!

One day, one day, it will click. Things will come together. All of your hard work will pay off.

Do what it takes to make whatever you are creating the best it can be, then work with others to make it even better.

Don’t give up, dear reader. I believe in you!

In Him,

Michele

P.S. Come to my Facebook party Thursday night! I have tons of prizes I want to give you in celebration of my new book! See you there. :)

P.S.S. Or if you’re in or near Indianapolis on Saturday, Sept. 29th, come to my book signing! We can celebrate together. (And I may have a huge prize basket fill with Beauty and the Beast prizes.) I cannot wait!

{Order Link for Kill the Beast}

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Kill the Beast Update

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I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that Kill the Beast is coming out this month! Ahhh!

September 25, 2018, Kill the Beast will be delivered to doorsteps and e-readers everywhere. I cannot wait to hear what you think!

It has been a long, long four years since I started this book, years filled with writers block, discouragement, and more rewrites, revisions, and edits than I can say. And the only Beauty and the Beast book I read during that time was the original La Belle et la Bête by Madame Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, so I just may go on a binge-reading spree of every Beauty and the Beast retelling that has come out in the past four years!

(Or I’ll keep working on book two. Yeah, that’s probably more accurate . . .)

Anyway, I have more news!

Here is my event schedule for the next few weeks:

Sept. 17-28th: Kill the Beast Blog Tour (schedule below)
Tuesday, Sept. 25th: Kill the Beast Releases
Thursday, Sept. 27th: Kill the Beast Online Facebook Party
Saturday, Sept. 29th: Kill the Beast Book Signing in Indianapolis

I mean, wow! I can’t believe it’s finally happening! This is the story of my heart, the one that has been burning within me to be written for the longest time, and with all the roadblocks it has seen, it has become infinitely more dear to me.

And, I hope, to you as well.

{Here is a preorder link!}

{And here is the link to the online Facebook party.}

{And here is the link to RSVP for my book signing.}

My book signing will be held at Irvington Vinyl & Books, 9 Johnson Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219, from 11AM to 2PM.

I just have to thank fellow writers Savannah J. Goins, Alicia Grumley, and Cameron Steiman from my Thursday Night Writing Group for putting together this event for me! These ladies encouraged me when I was in tears that the book wasn’t finished after four years, helped me find my way out of plot holes, and celebrated Kill the Beast’s completion harder than anyone I have ever met. You will always have a special place in my heart!

My online Facebook party will be on Thursday evening from 8-10 PM EST, and I will have tons of prizes to give away in celebration of my new release. Anyone is welcome to come! All you need is a computer and a comfy pair of jammies. (Okay, maybe I’m the only one who wears pajamas to online parties . . .) I have to thank Laura A. Grace and Jebraun Clifford for helping me with this event. You lovelies are the best!

And my blog tour!

Oh my goodness, you guys. Just a few hours after Laura A. Grace posted my blog tour signup form, it was completely full! And we both had bloggers contact us and ask to be added to the tour after we closed the form.

Oh. My. Goodness.

I have never felt so loved and supported in my life. People are actually excited about my book! I feel like I crawled out of my writing hole, am blinking at all the bright lights and loud noises around me, and all these wonderful people are surrounding me and encouraging me in ways I can’t even fathom.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

In Him,

Michele

{And just because I’m so excited about it, here’s another preorder link for Kill the Beast. I can’t wait to hear what you think!) :D

Blog Tour Schedule:

Monday, Sept. 17th, Guest Post: “Fairies in the World of Kill the Beast,” Pam Halter, www.pamhalter.com/fairiesfantasyfaith
Monday, Sept. 17th, Review of Kill the Beast,” Cathy Jeppsen, www.mybookaday.com
Tuesday, Sept. 18th, “Review of Kill the Beast,” Jebraun Clifford, www.jebraunclifford.com
Wednesday, Sept. 19th, Guest Post: “French Inspiration Behind Kill the Beast,” J.M. Hackman, www.jmhackman.com
Thursday, Sept. 20th, Visual Post: “The Châteaux of Kill the Beast,” Laurie Lucking, www.landsuncharted.com
Thursday, Sept. 20th, Visual Post: “The Characters of Kill the Beast,” Christina Morley, www.abooksandmore.blogspot.com
Friday, Sept. 21st, Behind-the-Scenes Feature: “Kill the Beast: It Only Took Four Years,” Kristen Stieffel, www.newauthors.wordpress.com
Saturday, Sept. 22nd, “Review of Kill the Beast,” Rachel Poli, www.rachelpoli.com
Saturday, Sept. 22nd, “Kill the Beast Excerpt,” Mehsi S., https://twirlingbookprincess.com
Sunday, Sept. 23rd, “Interview with Author Michele Israel Harper,” Jebraun Clifford, www.quillsandinkblotts.wordpress.com
Monday, Sept. 24th, Behind-the-Scenes Feature: “The Story Behind Beast Hunter,” Jannette Fuller, www.jannettefuller.com/blog
Monday, Sept. 24th, Guest Post: “Kill the Beast: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling,” Jaye L. Knight, www.jayelknight.blogspot.com
Tuesday, Sept. 25th, Release-Day Post: “Kill the Beast Releases Today!” Michele Israel Harper, www.micheleisraelharper.com
Wednesday, Sept. 26th, “Review of Kill the Beast: Why I Identify with the Beast,” Cathrine Bonham, www.cobonham.com
Thursday, Sept. 27th, “Author Interview with French Enthusiast Michele Israel Harper,” Laura A. Grace, www.unicornquester.com
Friday, Sept. 28th, “Kill the Beast Excerpt,” Teresa Beasley, www.arbookcorner.wordpress.com
Friday, Sept. 28th, Visual Post: “Kill the Beast: Fashion in 18thCentury France,” Lea Doué, www.leadoue.com

Help me find that castle!

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Help! Name that castle!

For Kill the Beast, this is the castle my cover artist used on the front cover.

But now I’m going through final edits, and all of a sudden, I need to make sure my huntress Ro can truly get from the Beast’s royal chambers to the inner courtyard by scaling the turrets and walls. (Gotta make sure my blocking is right and the Beast’s chambers aren’t constantly moving! Hmm…now there’s an idea!) ;)

I want to look at the layout and compare it to le Château de Versailles (since, you know, I’ve actually been there), but the only description on this stock photo is “castle.”

I know it’s French, I know it’s next to a lake, and I know it’s gorgeous, but I so want to know what this château is called! And every other stock photo in this series is called “castle” as well.

I will send a signed paperback copy (when it releases, of course) to the first person who finds it and comments with a link, layout, or name below!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

In Him,

Michele

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Where Will I Be This Weekend?

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In just a few hours, I will be set up with the Realm Makers Mobile Bookstore at the Teach Them Diligently Homeschool Convention in Columbus, Ohio.

When Scott and Becky Minor, Realm Makers Writers Conference directors, first contacted me about joining them and Author Kerry Nietz at this particular convention, I was over-the-moon excited and immediately began preparing my authors’ books to take with me.

(You know, all the wonderful books published through L2L2 Publishing?)

When Scott further clarified and said he wanted me to bring my books for a signing, I didn’t quite know what to do.

Do you know how long it’s been since I went to any conference or convention as an author instead of a representative of L2L2 Publishing?

I have no idea! It’s been that long!

And I am thrilled.

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So while you are reading this, I will be dusting off my books (They’re not really dusty, I promise! Lol.), getting out my red signing pen, and most likely be bouncing around the Realm Makers Mobile Bookstore booth with a mega-watt smile on my face. I am so excited!

And if you just happen to stop by and see me, you’ll most likely get tackle-hugged. And a signed book. Just sayin’. ;)

Exhibit Hall hours:

Thursday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

(Psst. This beauty will be there. \/ \/ \/ )

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Also, if you happen to stop by one of the sessions that Scott Minor is teaching, say, Saturday at 1:00 p.m., you just may happen to hear me speak in the panel afterward about L2L2 Publishing and why clean speculative-fiction publishers are so needed in the Christian industry. (See! I’m still representing L2L2 Publishing! So I’ll be mostly author-ing with a dash of representing.)

What an honor!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Scott and Becky Minor, for including me in the Realm Makers Mobile Bookstore for the weekend!

In Him,

Michele